When British troops antagonized the locals. Or was it the other way around?

By
Rachael Thatcher Staff writer

Posted Aug 26, 2018 at 7:13 PMUpdated Aug 27, 2018 at 2:38 PM

Costumed interpreters of the British Army arrest historical Newport resident Hannah Peterson for stealing firewood, which was in short supply during the summer of 1778. The scene was part of the Newport Historical Society's program on Saturday, 'Life in During the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island.' [PETER SILVIA PHOTO]▲

The Thurston family listens to Mary Almy, portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard, of what life was like in 1778 Newport at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House as she prepares her boarding house and family for the potential battle to come. [PETER SILVIA PHOTO]▲

Costumed interpreters at the Military Canteen enjoy a drink and a smoke during the recreation of life in 1778 Newport. [PETER SILVIA PHOTO]▲

This secret decoder cypher wheel was part of the Spy Challenge, in which visitors searched for clues to support the patriot cause, during Saturday's re-enactment of local life during the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island. [PETER SILVIA PHOTO]▲

NEWPORT — Modern-day Washington Square was transformed into 18th-century Newport on Saturday — and not just any typical time in the city's colonial history.

The occasion was the fifth annual summer Living History event held by the Newport Historical Society, and it aimed to capture the essence of the days leading up to the Battle of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War. The timing was centered just before the battle, the 240th anniversary of which is Wednesday. Along with the time change came school-age children in bonnets, British soldiers in uniform and assorted stations throughout "town" such as the shoe black, the printer and the tavern.

The historical society holds living-history events throughout the year, but the largest and most well-attended is typically the summer one, which includes a children's activity, said Executive Director Ruth Taylor. As an added bonus to the event, kids took on the "Spy Challenge" and collected clues from the different stations, piecing together what they found and decoding it using a cypher.

The presented challenge read, "Help General Washington win the War for Independence! As a spy in an occupied city, you can gather important information about the enemy's activities that will support the patriot cause." It went on to warn them to steer clear of the redcoats, the Royal Navy and loyalists.

A blend of youngsters following the Spy Challenge, re-enactors partaking in scenes and adults enamored with the accuracy of the event filled the square as the afternoon went on. A schedule of events, planned by Elizabeth Sulock, curator of living history at the historical society, kept the day moving along. At any given time there was something to be watching, whether it be an altercation between a member of the navy and a bum, the arrest of a young woman for stealing firewood and even a wedding.

The interpreters who participate in the re-enactment are committed to their craft, never breaking character even with a smile or stutter. They engaged with the public as well as each other, and they depict a realistic 18th-century person.

A few of the actors expressed distrust with the British, but only in secrecy. They explained that they remained loyal because there was seemingly no choice for them during that time. For the printer's wife, she couldn't cross her husband. For Mary Almy, who ran a boarding house at what is now known as the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard house, she feared for her safety.

Almy's character expressed the scarcity of wood and the dangers of fire on the island. She was a Newport resident and in case of attack her plan was to stay behind with the house, after moving her children and mother up the island. She was nervous about the home being burned down or looted in her absence. Almy explained, to wide-eyed listeners, that her writings and letters proved she was against the British, so she buried them in the yard along with her silver.

In the British Army's Officer's Club, located in the Colony House at the top of Washington Square, two costumed men assessed those who wished to leave the island. Guests would approach the table and discuss their circumstances, and the men jotted notes and granted or denied them. Apparently journalists were strictly forbidden from leaving, even when a relative had pneumonia. They were far more forgiving to those who wouldn't spread the word.

The costumed women at the tavern disclosed they expected a British attack soon, and they suspected it would be by sea but they were merely speculating. Their words and others were scribbled down in the Spy Challenge. After collecting letters from the different stops and piecing them together, the other patriot spy was revealed. "An old peddler," read the cypher wheel.

The challenge kept younger members of the crowd engaged throughout the day, and encouraged interaction that enhances the time-warp experience. But even those just passing through seemed to be entertained by the festivities.

"Can you do this every weekend?" is Taylor's favorite question to get, and although they can't, their goal is to create realistic and relevant experiences when they do.